Sources reviewed October 27, 2026 · Confirm current rules with the agency
When coverage is required
Construction businesses generally need coverage with one or more employees. Other businesses generally need it with four or more. Farms generally need it with six regular employees, or 12 seasonal workers who work more than 30 days in a season or more than 45 days in the same year. How the state classifies your industry and counts owners matters, so check its rules for your work.
Owners and exemptions
Corporate officers and LLC members generally count toward the number of employees unless they file a proper exemption. Outside construction, sole owners and partners are not counted as employees unless they choose to be covered. Who can be exempt depends on the business type and industry. An exemption never lets you leave other workers uninsured.
Working with subcontractors
If you are a contractor, check your subcontractor's coverage before work starts. If a subcontractor has no coverage, you may have to pay benefits to its workers. Look at current proof of coverage, any exemption papers, and how the work is really set up. Do not rely only on an independent contractor label.
If an employee is injured
Workers should report as soon as they can, generally within 30 days after the accident or after a doctor says the condition is work-related. You must report to your insurer as soon as you can, and no later than seven days after you learn of the injury. The worker's 30 days do not give you more time than your seven days.
Operating without coverage
Florida can order you to stop work if you do not keep required coverage. Penalties are based on premium, generally twice what you should have paid over a set look-back period, not a flat fine. Giving false payroll, job duties, or worker status can also lead to enforcement. See the state's official guide for how the penalty is figured.
How to get covered
Ask a business insurance agent about coverage from an insurer licensed in Florida. If no insurer will cover you, the Florida Workers Compensation Joint Underwriting Association may be an option. Approved self-insurance is also possible. Once you are insured, post the required workplace notices with your insurer's information.
Benefits and return-to-work planning
A work injury can lead to medical care, time off work, a lasting disability, or benefits for family members if a worker dies. Who qualifies, waiting periods, how wages are figured, and benefit limits all depend on state law and the facts of the claim. Ask your insurer which benefits it is looking at and what records it needs. Go by the doctor's work limits, not your own guess about what the worker can do. If you can offer lighter work, describe the duties and hours clearly and plan it with the doctor and your insurer.
Preparing an accurate cost estimate
Gather payroll by job and location, a description of each type of work, details on working owners, subcontractor records, and your past claims. Ask the insurer to confirm your job classes, how the rate is figured, any experience modifier, the minimum premium, fees, and audit terms. This site's calculator uses a base rate that you enter. It does not give a state-approved rate or a real quote. Compare offers using the same numbers, and track staff and work changes during the year so the final audit is easier.
Forms, posters, and notices
These links go straight to Florida’s official forms. Your insurer can often send a poster with your policy details already filled in.
- Broken Arm poster (English)
Florida's required workplace notice.
- Broken Arm poster (Spanish)
- DFS-F2-DWC-1, First Report of Injury or Illness
- All Division forms
Weekly benefit limits
These limits cap the wage replacement checks an injured worker can get. Medical care is paid separately. Limits change every year, so check the source for the latest figures.
- Maximum
- $1,358 a week
- Applies to
- Injuries on or after January 1, 2026
Check a contractor’s coverage
Florida's Proof of Coverage search shows a business's policy. A separate search shows officers and LLC members with active exemptions.
Owner exemptions and elections
Exemptions go to corporate officers and LLC members, not to the business. Apply online with a Notice of Election to be Exempt that you sign yourself. Construction and other industries have different rules, so check which one fits your work.
Frequently asked questions
Is workers' comp required in Florida?
It depends on the industry. Construction businesses need coverage with one or more employees, most other businesses with four or more, and agricultural businesses with six regular or twelve seasonal workers.
Do business owners need workers' comp in Florida?
Corporate officers and LLC members count as employees unless they file a valid exemption. Construction exemptions are limited, and no exemption covers other workers.
How long does an employee have to report a work injury in Florida?
Employees should report injuries within 30 days. The employer must report the injury to its insurer within seven days.
What happens if a Florida business doesn't have workers' comp?
Florida issues stop-work orders and charges penalties of generally twice the premium the employer should have paid for the lookback period.
How do I get workers' comp insurance in Florida?
Buy from a Florida-licensed insurer through an agent. If no insurer will write the policy, the Florida Workers Compensation Joint Underwriting Association is the market of last resort.
How much does workers' comp cost in Florida?
Cost depends mostly on your job class codes, the payroll in each class, your experience modifier, and the insurer's rates and minimum premium. Ask a licensed insurer or agent for the base rate for your class code in Florida, then use this site's calculator for a rough estimate. Your final premium is set at the yearly audit.
Your next steps
Official sources & further reading
Florida DFS: coverage thresholds and owner rulesFlorida DFS: employer and subcontractor FAQsFlorida DFS: injury notice and reportingFlorida DFS: enforcementFlorida DFS: obtaining insuranceThis summary is for learning, not legal advice. Exceptions and changes may apply. If anything here differs from the official agency or the law, they are what count.